Study Overseas

Obamanation, (noun) - the fanatical obsession that has swept the United States in support of Barack Obama.

On January 20, 2009, America and the world witnessed the first step toward change. For the first time in the history of the United States, a black man was elected by the people to represent the people in the highest position in the country. Throughout his campaign and in his uplifting Inaugural Address, President Obama said change is on the horizon for a new America. He is promising a brighter future. And it all starts now. Or as the President himself stated,
"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

Times in America are tough, especially in terms of economics. War still plagues our memories and many Americans have family and friends in the Middle East. Americans are unsettled and craving a solid figure to lead us into more peaceful and prosperous times. In his speech, after officially becoming the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama spoke directly to the people. He didn't act superior or uninvolved. He didn't sugar coat the problems that the country are facing today or the challenge that it will be to overcome these issues. Instead, he acknowledged the hard work that is set before us and the time and commitment it's going to take to make things right again within our own country and with the rest of the world. He said that "the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met." President Obama never separates himself out, never uses "I" or "you," but rather places himself as an American among the American people. He is willing to work hard for us, but he's also expecting the same in return. Something has been missing from US leaders for many years now, and this personal investment in the future of the country from our leader is the key. United we stand, divided we fall.

This new presidency is all about history. It's about making history and it's about building on history. President Obama said it best when he stated, "the world has changed, and we must change with it." The United States is finally joining the world in our liberal outlook of acceptance and tolerance, looking past the many languages, the many skin colors, and the many cultures that have combined to create the present-day United States. But he also acknowledges that the country has a past - some parts toiled with segregation and discrimination, yet other parts filled with strength, courage, and a determination to overcome hardships. It's this latter part of our history that President Obama chooses to use as inspiration, saying, "Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history." By building on our past, President Obama is setting us up to build a stronger future in which we can all be proud to call ourselves Americans.

President Obama has made many speeches during his campaign about the plans he has in store for America. He acknowledges that these are big plans and understands that change isn't going to happen overnight, but through his confidence and assuredness, the American public believes that it will happen. That's what separates plans from ideas and gives the people hope that changes will be implemented and the results will be seen - maybe not soon, but in the near future. With the election of President Obama, an election won by a landslide, it shows that the people are willing to take a chance and embrace something new - embrace a change - with the hope that the country and the world will reap the benefits. For me, I'm excited to see the realities of President Obama's plan take form to show ourselves and the world that America can make a comeback and be as strong and respected as ever.

Article by:
Jennifer Hiltwine